Kate Howey

Kate Howey is one of Great Britain’s most successful judoka and a central figure in the rise of British women’s judo. Competing primarily in the U72kg division, she combined technical precision with competitive resilience to build an outstanding international career.

Howey’s greatest competitive moment came at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where she reached the final and secured the silver medal. She later described that achievement as her most memorable sporting moment. Three years earlier she had become World Champion in 1997, adding to the promise she first showed as 1990 World Junior Champion.

Across her senior career she collected five World Championship medals and eight European Championship medals, underlining her consistency at the highest level. On the international circuit she won the Tournoi de Paris in 1997 and 2000 and claimed the German Open World Masters title in 1993.

Born in Andover, Hampshire, Howey began judo at the age of seven and earned her black belt at 16. She trained with Team Bath and Dartford Judo Club under the guidance of renowned coach Roy Inman.

After retiring from competition, Howey became a highly influential coach, playing a key role in developing a new generation of British women judoka and later serving as Technical Director within the national programme.

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